Are you ready for some robot sushi?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Darren San Sushi is relying on sushi-making robots at its location within SoFi Stadium, where 70,000 fans gather to watch the National Football League's LA…

Hopdoddy, Taco Bell, BurgerFi, El Pollo Loco execs keynoting Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Leaders will chat about how they are handling labor shortages, supply chain delays and higher food costs during the CEO Roundtable at the annual Fast Casual…

How 3 fast casuals are handling increased food costs

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although the menus at Atomic Wings, Famous Toastery and Beef O'Bradys have little in common, their leaders are facing the same conundrum: How to raise prices…

Nominations open for FastCasual's 20 'Brands to Watch'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

FastCasual's annual "20 Brands To Watch" focuses on 20 brands that are setting trends. Nominations close Aug. 22.

Starbucks buzzed about Q3 earnings, despite loss in China

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 3, 2022

Inflation, increased labor costs, unionization efforts and a hit to the Chinese arm of the business did not keep Starbucks from beating Wall Street…

Exploring AI? Learn from Chipotle, Jason's Deli, Yum Brands

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Execs from Chipotle, Jason's Deli and Ampex Brands will share their journeys into the world of AI at this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit, being held Oct.

Chipotle raising menu prices - again

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 27, 2022

A 4% increase in menu prices helped give Chipotle Mexican Grill a solid second quarter, according to CFO John R. Hartung, who said the chain was planning a…

Why 1 DC taco joint is franchising after 11 years

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

After 11 years in business, Washington D.C.-based TaKorean, a fast casual brand serving Korean flavors with a Latin-American twist founded as a food truck in…

Why 2022 is 'one sweet year' for Cinnaholic

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although 2022 is only half-baked, Cinnaholic is cooking with gas, opening 11 locations, with an additional 15 projected to open by year's end. This year's…

Sweet Paris relying on female-dominated team to fuel growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Allison Chavez, co-founder of Sweet Paris, a Texas-based chain of 11 crepe shops, is ready to grow her concept with a little help from other female leaders.

Fast casual brands conquering 'the munchies'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although not a official holiday, April 20 has a special place in the hearts of marijuana lovers around the world, with many celebrating it each year. Fast…

FAT Brands CEO denies fraud allegations, looks forward to growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Andy Wiederhorn said his lawyers will prove his innocence and that FAT Brands is growing strong.

Starbucks to have 55,000 stores by 2030

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

March 16, 2022

Shortly after Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson announced his retirement Tuesday, he told shareholders during the brand's annual meeting the company would continue…

Fazoli's names president as Carl Howard retires

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Doug Bostick, who has been with Fazoli's for the past 21 years, will serve as president and shares his plans for growing the brand.

Women in the Lead 2022: 13 female execs share experiences

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

FastCasual is celebrating International Women's Day with our annual Women in the Lead story, featuring the stories of 13 females leading the industry.

Sweetgreen CEO sees 'clear runway' for 1,000 locations by 2030

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Sweetgreen's shares were up 17% Thursday after the Los Angeles-based company reported that revenues were up nearly 40% and that same-store sales increased 63…

Noodles & Co jumping on price-increase bandwagon

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

CEO Dave Boennighausen said temporary store closures and reduced operating hours caused by Covid's delta surge in the Rocky Mountain West and Upper Midwest…

Restaurant execs gambling for a good cause

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

A few hundred restaurant leaders are gathering in Nashville next month at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit, where they will participate in…

Rise Biscuit founder will be missed

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Tom Ferguson, founder of Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken, died Thursday, Feb. 17, at age 57.

Shake Shack raising prices, focusing on drive-thru

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 18, 2022

Although Shake Shack implemented a 3% price hike last year, wage and supply inflation are triggering another round of price increases, CEO Randy Garutti said…